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MAOI: Difference between revisions
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'''Monoamine oxidase inhibitors''' (MAOIs) are chemicals which inhibit the activity of the monoamine oxidase enzyme family. They have a long history of use as medications prescribed for the treatment of depression. They are particularly effective in treating atypical depression. They are also used in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease and several other disorders. | '''Monoamine oxidase inhibitors''' (MAOIs) are chemicals which inhibit the activity of the monoamine oxidase enzyme family. They have a long history of use as medications prescribed for the treatment of depression. They are particularly effective in treating atypical depression. They are also used in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease and several other disorders. | ||
==Mechanism of Action== | ==Mechanism of Action== | ||
MAOIs act by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, thus preventing the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters and thereby increasing their availability. There are two isoforms of monoamine oxidase, MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A preferentially deaminates [[serotonin]], [[melatonin]], [[adrenaline]], and [[noradrenaline]]. MAO-B preferentially deaminates phenylethylamine and trace amines. [[Dopamine]] is equally deaminated by both types. | MAOIs act by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, thus preventing the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters and thereby increasing their availability. There are two isoforms of monoamine oxidase, MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A preferentially deaminates [[serotonin]], [[melatonin]], [[adrenaline]], and [[noradrenaline]]. MAO-B preferentially deaminates phenylethylamine and trace amines. [[Dopamine]] is equally deaminated by both types. | ||
===Reversibility=== | |||
==Reversibility== | |||
The early MAOIs inhibited monoamine oxidase irreversibly. When they react with monoamine oxidase, they permanently deactivate it, and the enzyme cannot function until it has been replaced by the body, which can take about two weeks. A few newer MAOIs (known as [[RIMA|RIMAs]] are reversible, meaning that they are able to detach from the enzyme to facilitate usual catabolism of the substrate. | The early MAOIs inhibited monoamine oxidase irreversibly. When they react with monoamine oxidase, they permanently deactivate it, and the enzyme cannot function until it has been replaced by the body, which can take about two weeks. A few newer MAOIs (known as [[RIMA|RIMAs]] are reversible, meaning that they are able to detach from the enzyme to facilitate usual catabolism of the substrate. | ||